Shoutout for JustDSM’s Tuning

I wanted to take a moment and give a shoutout to @JustDSM for his great customer service and expertise when it comes to using HPTuner’s software to help us 2nd gen owners. I am certainly not the first person who has benefited from his work, but I certainly hope to not be the last. Below I have organized the majority of my thoughts and I hope they are helpful to those who are on the fence about tuning their trucks

Original Source of Info: If you are looking for more information about HPtuners and JustDSM’s tune then the authoritative source is https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hp-tuners-for-2005-2015.600793/ I encourage you to take the time to read through it or at least use the search function within to find more detailed and applicable information for you.

My vehicle configuration: What I share below has been my experience with my 2015 4x4 4.0 V6 with a 6 speed manual transmission. However, JustDSM’s tuning has repeatedly shown benefits for all 2nd gen Tacomas whether they are auto or manual transmission and naturally aspirated or boosted applications.

Communication beforehand: All of my communications with JustDSM have been nothing short of pleasant and extremely helpful and informative. He answered no less than 25 of my questions over the series of several pm’s before I was ready to move forward with his tune. Once I was ready to move forward, he was really flexible on finding a time that worked for me. During the tune, he explained everything as we did it together and I did not feel overly nervous during the flash process. I think a little healthy fear is a good thing there.

Initial Impressions: I originally installed JustDSM’s tune on my bone stock motor and noticed immediate changes in drivability. Nothing was mind blowing or knock your socks off, but it was certainly enough positive change to make note of it. The biggest change was how the throttle reacted at low rpms. Before the truck would act like a dog. But after, it pulls in that low rpm range now and feels more powerful. I noticed a slight change with his rev hang delete. It took a little getting used to but now I don’t even remember what it was like to shift without the delete. Overall, I enjoy the shifting even more now. The truck now seems to drive with less effort in the city and on the highway.

Afterthoughts: After running the tune on a stock motor for a week, I installed an AFE CAI, intake manifold spacer, and 3* retarded cam gears. Those themselves, were a very noticeable improvement. And coupled with JustDSM’s tune brought the truck to a whole other level. With all of these performance changes the truck is more enjoyable to drive with quite a bit more pep. That being said it still does not feel like a racecar, but that is okay in my opinion. It was enough change to feel like it drives equal to or slightly better than in complete stock form without 285’s and a lot of armor weight. Another tangible change is the truck has enough power to maintain speed and even accelerate in 6th gear while on a grade while driving on the highway. Beforehand, I would almost always need to downshift in order to do that. I definitely would not like to drive it without JustDSM’s tune and the other performance mods I did in conjunction with the tune.

Fuel Economy: Before I talk about fuel economy, all my numbers have been calculated to include correction for my larger tire size. I have not gone through a complete gas tank with the mods and tune, but it is on track to exceed my mileage with 285’s and armor and potentially surpass my mpg’s before larger tires and armor also. Just as an example, before 285’s my empty light would come on around 315-325 miles, which for me is around 17-18 mpg. With 285’s it would come on around 280 miles, which for me is around 15-16. I plan to report back once I finish this tank and what the mileage ends up being with the tune and performance mods.

If you have made it this far, thanks for listening! Again, I hope my post will be beneficial to those who are on the fence about using HPtuners on their truck! And thanks again JustDSM for your great work!

 

I’d also like to thank @White lightning boosted for lending your HPtuner software that made all the possible!

 

Good feedback on what you noticed the differences were. I really need to get on this...after I figure out my ECU number and get a backup one.

 

welcom

 

I second it. He is helping me through some S/C tuning and MPG issues.

What kind of magic tires and armor were allowing you to still get 16 mpg thats what I want to know. ha Same boat for me, calibrated and all with a hypertech and never saw that.

 

if you hold your cell phone up the passengers foot area you can snap a pic. believe @loginfailed had that great contribution.

 

I think it is possible but I don't remember exactly what angle you have to go from.

Your avatar says 2014 4x4. If it is auto transmission, you have the same ECU I have. The part number is 89661-04g60.

 

fun part of 2nd gens that may not be the same ECU but I am sure it works. I remember the shit storm trying to get all the ECU's innnto OV Tunes DB.

 

I occasionally checked in on that thread and I remember all the “fun” people were having with that. It’s easy to say HPTuners has done a lot, but I’ll bet their operating budget is massive compared to his.

 

Thanks for the number, and yup, my avatar is correct. I just double-checked it and you're correct on the part number. Same one.

The ECU sticker is facing out, towards the passenger metal body panel direction. I was able to snap a picture with my phone without taking anything apart thankfully.

 

oh yeah! I got lucky and mine worked when I did have it.

 

I’m running 285/75r16 Mastercraft CXT’s that weight 57lbs and 22lb raceline wheels. I could have gone lighter with duratracs and scs wheels but couldn’t afford it.

Armor wise I have an ARB with a smittybilt winch w/synthetic, custom one piece ifs and trans skid, and BAMF sliders.

That being said I mostly run with an empty bed and I now try to not go over 70 on the freeway to have a chance at those mpg’s. If I drive faster or am romping on it in town, I wouldn’t hit those numbers. Curious to see what the tune and mods may allow for now.

 

Update: my first full gas tank measured 16.9 mpg. This was about 50/50 city and highway never over 70 mph.

Curious to see if and how much that would increase on a all highway tank or decrease with higher cruising speed or more gear in the bed.

 

interesting. I have a similar truck but auto trans. been looking for a programmer or something to get a little more out of the truck and came across this.

I am getting 18mpg currently. I travel a lot in the truck, not sure id want to lower my fuel mileage. I do drive 80 regularly too.

 

Yeah the auto trans is geared different which allows for lower rpm at freeway speed than mine. Keep in mind My truck has 285’s and armor weight and almost hit 17 mpg. I would bet that in stock form mileage and performance/drive ability would increase in a more noticeable way.

 

Fuel economy will be dependent upon may factors. The gearing in the 6spd trucks is not as "fuel eco" friendly as the Auto's so that will account for some discrepancy there. Also ethanol content in the fuel is variable (even from the same pump/station) which will also have a rather significant impact on the economy observed.

Just a few things to keep in mind.

 

last fill up I got 17.6 mpg, 30/70 city/highway, on 33s no armor. It definitely cruises better with the tune, less gear hunting on inclines.

 

good info to know. Im still learning all I can!

 

you sorcerers and your 17-18mpg. Thats a pipe dream for me now. But @JustDSM will hookup that tuning thats for sure.

 

from what I see on car-part.com is all 2014 4x4 4.0 AT are same ECU correct?